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To move data from an old iPhone to iPhone 17, use Quick Start during setup if the old phone is available. You can transfer directly between the phones or download your data from iCloud. If the old phone is unavailable, restore an iCloud or computer backup instead. The right choice depends on what you have access to and whether you want both phones occupied during the move.
Choose the right transfer method
| Situation | Method | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Your old iPhone is available and can stay nearby | Quick Start | Transfer directly from the old phone, or choose iCloud download so apps and data can continue downloading in the background. Direct transfer keeps both phones occupied until it finishes. Apple Quick Start instructions. |
| Your old iPhone is unavailable, but you have an iCloud backup | Restore from iCloud Backup | Sign in to the Apple Account associated with the backup and use Wi-Fi during setup. Some content can continue downloading afterward. Apple restore instructions. |
| You have a backup on a Mac or PC | Restore from a computer backup | Use the computer containing the backup. You will need the password if the backup is encrypted. Apple restore instructions. |
| You prefer a cable connection between the phones | Wired transfer | Use the cable specified for the phones’ ports, then follow setup prompts. Apple wired transfer instructions. |
Prepare both phones before you start
- Make a current backup of the old iPhone and have the Apple Account password ready. Apple’s transfer preparation guidance covers backup preparation and possible temporary iCloud storage for eligible customers; availability depends on eligibility.
- For Quick Start, connect the old iPhone to Wi-Fi, turn on Bluetooth, unlock it, and leave it at the Home Screen. Update both phones beforehand if practical.
- Have Wi-Fi available and keep both phones connected to power during migration. Cellular activation or SIM/eSIM setup may also be needed; steps vary by carrier and region.
- If you plan to restore from iCloud, check that a suitable backup exists. If a backup cannot complete, check available iCloud storage; Apple identifies insufficient storage as a possible cause in its iCloud backup guidance.
Transfer data with Quick Start
- Turn on iPhone 17 and place it beside the old iPhone. Keep the old phone unlocked, with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled.
- Follow the Quick Start prompt on the old iPhone and the on-screen setup instructions on iPhone 17. If the Quick Start prompt disappears, restart both phones and try again.
- Connect iPhone 17 to Wi-Fi or cellular service when prompted, activate mobile service if needed, and set up Face ID.
- Choose whether to transfer directly from the old iPhone or download from iCloud. Direct transfer must finish before either phone is available for normal use. With iCloud download, the new phone can be used while apps and data continue downloading.
- Keep the phones close together and connected to power until migration finishes. Apple notes that “Transfer times can vary based on factors such as network conditions and the amount of data being transferred.”
Quick Start is not available for transferring data from a current device when the new device is enrolled in Apple School Manager or Apple Business, according to Apple’s Quick Start instructions.
Restore iPhone 17 from an iCloud backup
- Turn on a new or erased iPhone 17 and connect it to Wi-Fi during setup.
- At the screen for transferring apps and data, choose the iCloud backup restore option and sign in to your Apple Account.
- Review the available backups and select the one you want, checking its date and size.
- Keep the phone on Wi-Fi while the restore progress bar runs. After setup, leave it connected to Wi-Fi and power when possible so cloud content can finish downloading.
If iPhone 17 has already been set up, Apple’s restore process requires erasing it first. Erasing removes its current contents, so save anything on the phone that you need before proceeding. Follow Apple’s restore instructions.
Restore a computer backup
- Open Finder on a supported Mac, Apple Devices on Windows, or iTunes where it remains the applicable option.
- Connect the new or erased iPhone to the computer by USB and select it in the app.
- Choose Restore Backup, then select the backup you want by date.
- Enter the encryption password if prompted. Keep the iPhone connected through its restart and until syncing finishes.
See Apple’s instructions for restoring an iPhone from a computer backup for the applicable software steps.
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Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Apple iPhone 17, US Version, 256GB, eSIM, Mist Blue- Unlocked (Renewed Premium)
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Use a cable for a direct transfer
Apple supports connecting the old and new iPhones directly by cable and following the setup prompts. Choose the cable based on the old phone’s connector:
| Old iPhone | iPhone 17 connection | Cable Apple specifies |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 15 or later | USB-C to USB-C | USB-C Charge Cable |
| iPhone 14 or earlier | Lightning to USB-C | USB-C to Lightning Cable |
A cable is needed only for this wired method; Quick Start can transfer wirelessly, and backup restores use iCloud or a computer connection. Wired migration still requires Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity during setup, and both phones remain unavailable for normal use until the transfer is complete. See Apple’s wired transfer instructions.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Apple iPhone 17 Pro, US Version, 256GB, eSIM, Deep Blue- Unlocked (Renewed Premium)
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
Rank #4
Apple iPhone 17, US Version, 256GB, eSIM, Black- Unlocked (Renewed Premium)
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Rank #3
Apple iPhone 17, US Version, 256GB, eSIM, Lavender- Unlocked (Renewed Premium)
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Rank #2
Apple iPhone 17 Pro, US Version, 512GB, eSIM, Silver- Unlocked (Renewed Premium)
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
Fix common transfer problems
- Quick Start does not appear: Restart both iPhones, place them close together, and confirm the old phone is unlocked with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled.
- Direct transfer is taking longer than expected: Keep the phones close and connected to power. Apple identifies network conditions and the amount of data as factors; it does not provide a universal transfer time.
- An iCloud backup will not finish: Check available iCloud storage and the connection, then try again.
- You cannot restore the backup: Confirm you signed in with the Apple Account associated with the backup and selected the intended backup. If restoring from a computer, use the computer that contains it and provide the encryption password if requested.
- Mobile service is not ready: Follow the setup prompts for cellular activation or your SIM/eSIM arrangement. The process depends on your carrier and region.
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